Is Religion A Necessary Evil?

[mibn2cweus]

Some of us here know Theland (amongst others) is wrong regarding his (their) beliefs that the alleged Christian God is creator of the world and savior of humanity. But isn't it important for us to understand where and why they believe these things as it is for us to realise the costs imposed upon humanity by those who harbour such beliefs and act accordingly? Isn't it better for us all in the long run to acknowledge and challenge what they are attempting to pass off as reality than to simply ignore them in the hopes that in turn they'll do likewise?

Perhaps there are important lessons to be learned by all from those who have succumbed to religion. Evil does not acquiesce to our reluctance to acknowledge it.

[naomi24]

They don't know. No one knows. How difficult is that to understand?

Perhaps if you'd stop regurgitating the same unanswerable question others here would maintain their patience. In the continuing absence of evidence no atheist is ever going to conclude that your God did it. They're realists - not fantasists.

[Theland]

There is many an atheist scientist who might disagree with you. But what they have to say is interesting.
I merely asked the same questions here.

[naomi24]

They can't answer it either.

[cassa333]

God and religion are a man made construct to give meaning where. There is none.

We are born, we live, we hopefully procreate our species and die.

Religion helps some people cope with the futility of it and that is fine if it gets them through the day.

[Theland]

"They can't answer it either."

My word, Naomi, that is spoken with great authority.

Do you have such authority?

[naomi24]

Theland, whose authority do you think I need?

[waterboatman]

TL have you ever studied Evolutionary History? If not, you should!

[drmorgans]

Strange that a small religious sect has come to dominate modern day religious thought. Why should a group founded, what, 2,000 years ago in the eastern Mediterranean become one of our world's philosophies and regulator of moral behaviour?

[Theland]

Boaty - Yes I have studied a lot of evolution and found it wanting.

[naomi24]

drmorgans, //Why should a group founded, what, 2,000 years ago in the eastern Mediterranean become one of our world's philosophies and regulator of moral behaviour?//

For the same reason another group founded in a similar area about 1500 years ago has become one of our world's philosophies and regulator of moral behaviour. Brainwashing.

[Theland]

The moral teaching of 2000 years ago has stood the test of time.

[naomi24]

As has that from 1500 years ago....

[Barquentine]

These debates between religious believers and atheists seem to drone on interminably.....a bit like brexit!
I may be wrong about this but I have a hazy recollection that Christian beliefs include something about humility?
Surely the best belief a person can hold (and one that displays sincere humility) -is to admit that "I do not know" (Greek word = agnowsko). This is why I am a militant agnostic. I fight for people's right to admit they don't really know.
I reject equally 'strong' atheism (an irrational belief that nothing else exists) and religious 'faith' (an irrational belief that something else exists)!
'Weak' atheism (absence of belief that there is anything else) is a failure to commit to either of the previous two camps and a lazy decision to avoid any effort to work things out as far as we can.
The best position (modesty forbids me to say this is mine!) is to accept we just do not know - except.....
Using the civil litigation standard of proof - on a 'balance of probabilities' I 'believe' that it is probably more likely that 'something more' 'exists' than that there is nothing. My starting point is the fact that science has already discovered a tiny, tiny slit in the fabric of reality that allows us to see behind the veil of how things 'appear' 'to be'. But that is for another day! I must go and check on my cat now!!

[Khandro]

//Is Religion A Necessary Evil?//
It would appear to be necessary - because no society has ever lived without it.
Also, "Religion" per se, cannot be either evil or good anymore that any other human group activity.

[Old_Geezer]

Not so much necessary as inevitable. Folk need answers and feel they experience something not of this world/plane. They come to conclusions based on what they know and experience. Not necessarily evil either. Knowledge or believe is not evil in itself, no matter how you define evil. But can be used for both moral and immoral things, no matter how you define morality. Now who has succumbed to the blinkered situation of denying anything they can't prove or explain ? Much does not automatically not exist because of our reluctance to acknowledge it.

[Old_Geezer]

Belief

[Barquentine]

Is the question supposed to be 'Is Religion Necessarily Evil'?
Where does evil often hide? Someone who is devious and evil will hide in plain sight. Jimmy Sa-vile got away with his crimes by being brazenly open about them. Once, in an interview with Louis Theroux he said "I'm feared in girls' school up and down the country". It was said as if he was joking but his eyes were telling you he meant it. Evil hides in plain sight.
So where would something as devious and evil as the Devil hide? Where is the very last place that 6 billion people (except one!) would ever imagine to find the Devil hiding?
Religion.
From the earliest belief systems, religion has been responsible for more horrors than any other genetic failing exhibited by this destructive species. 'Religion' has successfully disguised by this with its attempts to monopolise 'also does a lot of good'. As with anything there are a myriad of complexities fogging the fundamental truth. Humans have a propensity to do good things for each other without the need for religion and yet it is very true that religious organisations are often (maybe more often) the only help available to those who most need their help - where other good people who are not religious fail to help.....but - maybe that is a matter of being organised - because religion has motives for being better organised to help the most vulnerable - they are more likely to recruit grateful members - whilst simultaneously disguising its true nature. Good god the devil is so devious.
On the other hand, I am really just playing devil's advocate since I don't even believe there is a devil - and even if I did, he/she/it would sack me as his lawyer since I'm not making a very good case for him.
On the other hand - what if I am the devil and I'm trying to undermine belief in religion? Tricky one.
On the other hand........there is no other hand!
Then again

[Khandro]

Barq. //The 'devil' isn't "out there", it's in a person's head & can manifest itself occasionally, or several times within the space of a day, religion can provide an antidote.
https://www.learnreligions.com/the-wheel-of-life-4123213